JOSEPH BENJAMIN GRAVES

1925 - 2014

JOSEPH BENJAMIN GRAVES obituary, 1925-2014, El Paso, TX

BORN

1925

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Martin Funeral Home West

128 North Resler Drive

El Paso, Texas

JOSEPH GRAVES Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 9, 2014.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Funeral Home, El Paso, TX.

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December 16, 2020

Student

Jose Mata

Professor Graves was an inspiration to the point where every single elective I took was a class he taught. The wealth of knowledge he shared was beyond any book I could read and better than any documentary I have watched. I was honored that Professor Graves wrote a letter of recommendation for my acceptance to postgraduate studies and the reason I became a Social Studies teacher with ambitions to teach Political Science. Although it has been several years that I was in his tutelage I still hear him and try to spread his wisdom. Thank you Professor Graves.

January 21, 2015

Dario Caire

I had a class with Mr. Graves and it was such a joy to be taught by him. I thought of Mr. Graves today, when I noticed that I could take an elective to full a degree requirement, and I came across this website. I'm deeply saddened that I can't full-fill a promise that I made to Mr. Graves to take another class with him. He was such a great teacher and a very cool person to be around (I wish I could have taken another class with him, just to get to know him more), It makes me sad that students at UTEP will no longer be able to take a class with this great man. My condolences to the family, he was a great guy and an amazing professor (I enjoyed every minute of his class).

Posted by Dario Caire

July 16, 2014

C. Johnny Ybarra III

May he Rest in Peace, an excellent educator and a very friendly person.

February 25, 2014

Mr. & Mrs. Gus Nunez

My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Joseph Graves. Dr. Graves was my professor, mentor and advisor when I attended TWC/UTEP. He was a great source of inspiration and always available when I sought his advise while a student and when I was a member of the Political Science Department staff. May he rest in peace

February 21, 2014

Melanie Montalvo

Dr. Graves was such a kind and gentle man and a brilliant professor who taught me a lot and always seemed to enjoy teaching. It was a joy and an honor to have him as a professor and i will miss him very much, I was very sorry to hear about his passing.

February 21, 2014

Andrew Pena

My condolences to the Graves Famuly. May he rest in eternal peace.

February 21, 2014

Sorry to hear this news. I send my condolences to his family. One day Professor Graves and I were trying to count the number of students that he had taught at UTEP. He proudly told me that he could go over all of his grade books that he kept in several file cabinets and provide an accurate count. I told him that maybe he could give a "guesstimate." To make a long story short, with a twinkle in his eyes he said, " I know that I have taught at least 80-90% of all law enforcement officers, judges, lawyers in El Paso County." He has left quite a legacy...Irasema Coronado

February 20, 2014

Laura Lopez

He was the BEST! I loved his class in my undergrad at UTEP. He was so funny and a great professor. He will be truly missed. I am lucky to have known him.

February 19, 2014

George Lyon

I met Dr Graves in 2000 as a student and he quickly became my inspiration and mentor. To this day, I think often of his encouragement, emulate his teaching style, socratic approach and class management. He is and will always be an academic jewel. G.F. Lyon, Asst. Professor, Pre-Law Studies, NMHU.

February 19, 2014

Monica Miles-Miller

A dear iconic member of our family that gave me such inspiration as a young adult. He will be missed greatly. All my thoughts & prayers.

February 19, 2014

Monica Becerra

My condolences to the Graves family. He was my professor at UTEP in the 90's and he was truly an inspiration for me. May he rest in peace.

February 18, 2014

My thoughts are with all of you. I loved sitting in my back garden with her listening to wonder what to do with he collection "things". I will miss them both

February 18, 2014

L.D. Villalobos

An institution and a wonderful professor. Loved your energy, your stories and your leadership.....

February 18, 2014

I met Dr. Graves at age 9,at my fathers(HB Waters) Antique/flea market on donophin. A variety of men from ex NFL, busn owners, mayors, law enforcement, convicts would meet for a cup of coffee and serious political debate. Wonderful war stories and life adventures were shared among this group. I was raised among these eccentric city leaders. To include shrewd busn transactions of knives and antiques. With Dr Graves guidance, I obtained my BA and with a single recommendation landed both federal and state jobs. Dr Graves sent me over 50 interns from UTEP to train.These students left to all law enforcement positions from Parole, FBI to special agents, many of them female. Because of his faith in us, we soared. I took on dangerous situations, with his guidance, i never failed. Dinner with your Mom, attending my wedding, going to silver city and Mckitrick canyon camping trips, to bringing food or throwing football w/ my kids at the flea mart, I will miss him. But his greatest cherished moments were with his daughters and his grandkids, Dr graves LOVED you all do much. Thank you for sharing him. The Waters and Hunt Family.

February 18, 2014

Nicole Webster

Dr. Graves was an iconic man who had a tremendous impact on his students and their love of the law. As one of his 2010-2012 nuclear students, my alumni and I had the distinguished honor of learning from Dr. Graves and being a part of his legacy. I am not surprised that he was dedicated to his students through his final days. Here we have lost a remarkable mind; Heaven has gained a true angel.

February 17, 2014

Eduardo Garcia

Dr. Graves inspired me to achieve goals I never knew I could attain. After finishing graduate school in California he reached out and told me I needed to teach a course called Criminal Justice and the Private Sector at UTEP which I did for several years. Thereafter, he always checked in with me to offer his help while remembering key details year after year. I had a successful career in government security and business and now teach at the University of AR at Little Rock in criminal justice and information assurance. Thank you for being the greatest mentor I've ever had.

February 17, 2014

Tom Meacham

Buddy and I spent many hours perusing the pawn shops and swaps from Las Cruces, El Paso, and thru DFW to Canton in East Texas and many spots in between. He loved the great 'find' and then hitting Chope's for red enchiladas or the North Texas BBQ joints for some brisket or ribs. To me he was a Renaissance man. I miss him, but have many great memories.

February 17, 2014

Rick Melendrez

You were the best Dr. Graves. Thank you for all you did at Utep. I will miss shopping with you at the thrift stores.

February 17, 2014

Mike Schwartz

I was truly fortunate to know Dr Graves during the early 70's while he taught me, really taght me, criminal justice and law according to the Constitution. His influence, kind words and jovial manner enabled me to achieve things I had not imagined. I will truly miss him. Although I suspect he will wander around, hunting for new things to collect. Rest in peace, Sir. You have earned it.

February 17, 2014

Joseph Rodriguez

Dr. Graves was a great man who taught me a lot about ethics and rights. He was so passionate about law and his love for red enchiladas. UTEP has lost a great member of their family.

February 17, 2014

Cindy Aguilar-Davis

India, Gilly and family: I was sadden by this news. Dr. Graves and I were building next door neighbors at UTEP.
I will miss seeing him around campus. He was an icon and a well respected true educator. May the pain you feel bring you peace in knowing that he and your mom are now together.

February 17, 2014

Melinda Muniz

My heart is heavy today after learning of Dr. Graves passing. He was a Professor of mine just a little over a year ago around this same time last year to be exact… I remember a classmate telling me he had cried the class period before ours because he was so touched his students had bought him a cake and a nice card to celebrate his birthday. While I cannot say I knew him very well I do know this... he was a sweet, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable man. He emphasized the need for all of us to be great human beings in order to make this world a better place. He spoke endlessly about his family and how proud he was of them and most of all how much he missed his wife. There was never a dull moment with Dr. Graves… He will truly be missed. My sincere condolences to Dr. Graves family.

February 16, 2014

Dr & Mrs George M Youakim

Favorite Professor of one and all...rest in peace.

February 16, 2014

Carolyn Moore

My deepest sympathies go out to the Graves family. Dr. Graves was a great teacher and he was able to get through to a knucklehead like me. I will forever be grateful for his clear mind and kind heart.

February 16, 2014

Mike Casey

Dr. Graves,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the USN in the Pacific fighting the Japanese during WW II and also for being a member of the Greatest Generation. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy,

Fair Winds And Following Seas

February 16, 2014

Elaine Foreman

Professor Graves or "The Prof" as we knew him loved to take us hunting for "his treasures " in the deserts of El Paso. Wow, what great adventures we had as young kids playing in the desert. He was always kind but stern with us and made us realize the important history is. I will never forget his little grin he and his kind eyes. Now heaven has "The Prof" and will learn a lot from him! Rest in Peace !!!

February 16, 2014

Georgina Garcia

Dr. Graves, was not only my professor but was my father's professor and my older brother's professor. He was the first male professor who told me I was brilliant. I hope he knows that his legacy lives on in his students. Thank you Dr. Graves for inspiring me to teach, fight for social justice and to work towards becoming Dr. Garcia. I wish your family love and strength through this hard time.

Thank you Dr. Graves.

-Georgina

February 16, 2014

Pat Cross

A fine man and truly a UTEP institution. My pleasure to know him for twenty years.

February 16, 2014

bob Schmidt

What an amazing man who raised an equally amazing family. Go with God sir!

February 16, 2014

Gilly, India, and Cierra - My deepest sympathies go out to you. Your father was a wonderful man - your parents were the best neighbors to my parents and my parents offer their condolences as well. God be with you and comfort your whole family. Love Demaris Jones Thie.

February 16, 2014

Tina Lutz

I was lucky enough to get to know Dr. Graves in the last two years. He was truly a unique and interesting person and I never left his presence without a smile. My heart is with his daughter Gillian and the rest of his amazing family. He will be missed.

February 16, 2014

Trishia Hinton Crane

He sure raised a great daughter.

February 16, 2014

Joseph Gutierrez

Dr. Graves- It was my pleasure as well as yours that we crossed paths. You will be thought of daily as I continue the journey and hope once again to meet up with you. God bless you Dr. Graves!

Ron G.

February 15, 2014

Yvonne Urquidi

I worked with Dr. Graves in Political Science and all I can say is that this man was a wonderful humble man. Not only was he such a respected man, but caring as well. I will greatly miss him and my condolences go out to his entire family. RIP Dr. Graves

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